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Refrigerator Lifespans by Brand

by Spencer's TV & Appliance

Kitchen Featuring a Sub-Zero Classic Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In French Door Refrigerator

At a Glance

What is the Average Lifespan of a Refrigerator?

Brand-Specific Lifespan Insights

Factors Influencing Lifespan

Refrigerator Picks by Brand 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?

One of the best indicators of refrigerator value is its lifespan. The longer your refrigerator lasts, the better overall investment in your money.

While most brands cannot guarantee that your refrigerator will last a certain amount of time, they can provide estimates for how long most of their appliances run.

By researching refrigerator lifespan by brand, you can make an informed decision that makes you feel good about your purchase. Use this guide to choose the longest-lasting refrigerator that will be an asset to your home.

Select Your Ideal Refrigerator

Refresh your kitchen with a state-of-the-art refrigerator from Spencer's TV & Appliance. Shop our wide range of options online or drop by our store to choose the best fit for your culinary space.

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What is the Average Lifespan of a Refrigerator?

The average lifespan of a fridge is around 12 years; however, some refrigerators can last up to 20 years or more.

This average lifespan varies across different refrigerator brands, the refrigerator's maintenance, and the homeowner's willingness to make repairs. Some people are more willing to repair their appliances when they break, which will extend the refrigerator’s lifespan compared to homeowners who simply replace broken appliances.

You can’t control how long your refrigerator lasts, but you can look into the best refrigerator brands that are known for longevity. this can increase your chances that you choose a long-lasting appliance.

→ Learn More: 10 Best French Door Refrigerators This Year

Brand-Specific Lifespan Insights

Certain brands have better lifespan expectations than others. Here are a few brands that are known for their longevity and why their appliances are more likely to last than others.

  • Samsung: This is one of the most popular brands on the market. Samsung is known as a technology company but continues to invest in quality kitchen appliances.

  • LG: This brand is a competitor to Samsung. It continues to provide quality refrigerators to win over customers.

  • Sub-Zero: Sub-Zero provides commercial-grade products for residential customers. it's no wonder that its refrigerators are known to last.

  • Miele: This German brand is known for its durability. While it offers luxury products, its main core values center around quality.

  • Thermador: This is another luxury brand that offers durable appliances. Many Thermador customers feel like the price point is worth it for the lifespan of its refrigerators.

This doesn't mean that these are the only refrigerator brands that you should consider. However, they provide a good place to start in your research of refrigerator lifespan by brand because they already have a trusted reputation for longevity.

→ Learn More: Luxury Cooling Solutions: Exploring the Best 48" Built-In Refrigerator Brands

Factors Influencing Lifespan

Kitchen Featuring a Whirlpool 26.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator

You can answer what is the average life span of a refrigerator to get an idea of how long your appliance should last; however, other factors beyond brand impact how long your refrigerator will run.

Certain models might be built better than others. One Samsung refrigerator might last two decades while another barely makes it 10 years. This could be a manufacturing error or design flaw.

The energy efficiency ratings can also impact longevity. Refrigerators that use less energy often last longer because they don't wear out as quickly. While the refrigerator life expectancy Whirlpool suggests is around 12 years, you can keep your appliance running by caring for it.

Make sure you choose a refrigerator that is ideal for your home size. This way, you won't overfill the refrigerator and cause it to work harder. Also, never store a refrigerator outdoors. The heat and the humidity will wear out the motor.

Searching for refrigerator lifespan by brand can help you pick out a high-quality appliance. However, your actions and willingness to repair the refrigerator will affect how long you keep it in your home.

Refrigerator Picks by Brand 

One of the best ways to understand refrigerator lifespan by brand is to look at specific models that are known for their performance.

Here are seven refrigerators that are proven to be durable and long-lasting. Many also come with bonus features that will make them an enjoyable asset to your household.

Sub-Zero Classic Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In French Door Refrigerator

Model #: (CL3650UFDID/S/T)

Sub-Zero Classic Series 20.5 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In French Door Refrigerator

Shop Sub-Zero 20.5 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator

Sub-Zero is the most reliable refrigerator brand on the market. This company creates commercial-grade kitchen appliances for the residential market.

This French-door refrigerator comes with Sub-Zero’s Split Climate™ intelligent cooling system that is designed to preserve your food for longer.

Not only is this system designed to reduce food waste, but its advanced design will continue running throughout the lifespan of your refrigerator.

Miele 36" 18.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Model #: (KFNF9959iDE)

Miele 36" 18.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Shop Miele 18.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready French Door Refrigerator

Miele is another luxury refrigerator brand that emphasizes the longevity of its appliances. It comes with a NoFrost system which means you will never have to defrost your Miele refrigerator.

This increases its longevity while preventing freezer burn on your food. The DynaCool system also creates an even temperature across your refrigerator.

You won't notice cooler areas that freeze your groceries in some parts or warmer areas near the front.

Thermador Freedom 19.6 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Model #: (T36IB905SP)

Thermador Freedom 19.6 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

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Not only is this bottom freezer refrigerator by Thermador built to last, but it is also an Energy Star-certified appliance.

It will use less electricity than standard refrigeration models, allowing your family to save on electricity.

This appliance also has a Quick Chill setting, which allows you to cool your groceries fast. The appliance will require less energy to keep your food cold, which will increase its longevity.

KitchenAid 36 in. 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Model #: (KRFC704FPS)

KitchenAid 36 in. 23.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel with PrintShield Finish Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

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KitchenAid offers a variety of family-sized refrigerators that are also built to last. This model comes with Preserva® food care technology that uses two independent systems to keep your food fresh.

Even if one of these systems breaks as the refrigerator ages, the appliance will continue to run, increasing its overall longevity. This KitchenAid counter depth refrigerator also comes with an external water and ice dispenser, which is more energy efficient.

While reading refrigerator reviews, we thought this comment was helpful.

⭐Featured KitchenAid KRFC704FPS Review:

"We've had the refrigerator for a couple of months now and really love it! It's got a lot of room, especially on the doors. And it looks beautiful in our kitchen!"

Café 27.4 Cu. Ft. Platinum Glass Smart French Door Refrigerator

Model #: (CQE28DM5NS5)

Café 27.4 Cu. Ft. Platinum Glass Smart French Door Refrigerator

One way to preserve the life of your refrigerator is to keep as much cool air inside as possible. This French door refrigerator by GE Café allows you to do just that.

The freezer is made up of two separate compartments, which means the coldest air stays inside when you open one section. The French doors on the top also limit the amount of cool air that escapes. This is another Energy Sar-certified appliance.

⭐Featuerd Café CQE28DM5NS5 Review:

"Great fridge. The ice maker is amazing with an ample amount of cubes. Love the 4 door design. Only wish they were plus give you a choice of the wine rack or a shelf. We don't drink wine and could use this space for other items."

LG Studio 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator

Model #: (SRSXB2622S)

LG Studio 25.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side By Side Refrigerator

Shop LG Studio 25.6 Cu. Ft. Side By Side Refrigerator

Not only are LG appliances built to last, but the smart technology incorporated in these products allows homeowners to troubleshoot issues and repair them.

When you download the ThinQ app, your appliance can send alerts to your phone when something is wrong. The app can walk you through the repair process so your refrigerator runs as it should. This LG refrigerator is also ideal for families because of its size.

⭐Featuerd LG SRSXB2622S Review:

"Temps are right on, no more frozen veggies and no more runny ice cream. The lighting is exceptional and having all the drawers and door self-closing is exceptional."

Monogram 36 In. 20.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Model #: (ZISS360DNSS)

Monogram 20.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Shop Monogram 20.2 Cu. Ft. Built In Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Monogram also has an advanced temperature management system that moves air throughout the appliance.

This ensures an even climate regardless of where you place your food. If you frequently open your refrigerator throughout the day or live with family members who do, you don't have to worry about losing cold air.

The bright LED lighting in this side-by-side refrigerator also makes it easy to find certain items, so you can close the door faster.

⭐Featured Monogram ZISS360DNSS Review:

"Love the side-by-side doors and there is a lot of room inside. The water feature on the outside is great. No more opening the door to get water and allowing the cold air to escape."

How to Choose a Long-lasting Refrigerator

If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, start your search by learning which appliance brands last the longest.

Know that the average life of a refrigerator is about 12 years, so finding an appliance that makes it 15 or 20 years is a significant accomplishment. Here are a few ways to choose a long-lasting refrigerator that you are happy with.

  • See Which Brands Boast High Appliance Life Expectancies: Many of the brands featured in this guide are known for their longevity.

  • Read Customer Reviews: See which customers replaced their old appliances with new models by the same brand.

  • Choose the Right Refrigerator Size Based on Your Needs: This way, you won't overwork your refrigerator because it is too full or too big for your space.

  • Set a Realistic Budget: This will allow you to invest in one of the top refrigerator brands on the market.

  • Don't Forget Other Appliance Features: While searching refrigerator lifespan by brand is important, you also want a refrigerator size, style, and features that meet your lifestyle needs.

Following these five steps will increase your chances of finding a refrigerator that lasts a long time and is an enjoyable part of your meal preparation process. Complete your journey by picking up your new fridge at your local  Spencer’s TV & Appliance.

→ Learn More: Sub-Zero Refrigerator Series Explained 

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerator lifespans.

What is the lifespan of a good refrigerator?

Most refrigerators last around 12 years, so a good lifespan of a refrigerator would be anything above this. Quality refrigerators can last up to 20 years if they are well cared for.

What brand of refrigerator will last the longest?

Many appliance brands claim their refrigerator lifespans are the longest; however, there is no definitive winner when it comes to refrigerator longevity. You can increase your chances of buying a refrigerator with a long lifespan by reading online reviews and choosing trusted brands.

What shortens the life of a refrigerator?

Poorly maintained refrigerators are less likely to last. You can expect your refrigerator to wear out if you keep it outside, like placing it on the patio or in a garage, or if you regularly forget to close the doors. Both of these practices make your refrigerator work harder to keep your groceries cool, which means it is more likely to wear out.

Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?

Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.

Not only do we offer top-rated appliancesname-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!

Shop Refrigerators at Spencer’s

At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop refrigerators online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best refrigerator for your kitchen. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!